Plasmodium falciparum activates endogenous Cl− channels of human erythrocytes by membrane oxidation

• Published in: The EMBO journal Vol. 21; no. 1-2; pp. 22 - 30
• Main Authors: Huber, Stephan M., Uhlemann, Anne-Catrin, Gamper, Nikita L., Duranton, Christophe, Kremsner, Peter G., Lang, Florian
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Chichester, UK John Wiley & Sons, Ltd 15.01.2002; Blackwell Publishing Ltd; Oxford University Press
• Subjects: Animals; Chloride Channels - blood; Electric Conductivity; Erythrocyte Membrane - metabolism; Erythrocytes; Erythrocytes - metabolism; Erythrocytes - parasitology; Hemolysis; human red blood cells; Humans; In Vitro Techniques; Malaria; new permeability pathway; Oxidation; Oxidation-Reduction; Oxidative Stress; Parasites; Patch-Clamp Techniques; patch−clamp; Plasmodium falciparum - metabolism; Plasmodium falciparum - pathogenicity; Solute transport; Vector-borne diseases
• ISSN: 0261-4189; 1460-2075; 1460-2075
• DOI: 10.1093/emboj/21.1.22

Intraerythrocytic survival of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum requires that host cells supply nutrients and dispose of waste products. This solute transport is accomplished by infection‐induced new permeability pathways (NPP) in the erythrocyte membrane. Here, whole‐cell patch–clamp and hemolysis experiments were performed to define properties of the NPP. Parasitized but not control erythrocytes constitutively expressed two types of anion conductances, differing in voltage dependence and sensitivity to inhibitors. In addition, infected but not control cells hemolyzed in isosmotic sorbitol solution. Both conduct ances and hemolysis of infected cells were inhibited by reducing agents. Conversely, oxidation induced identical conductances and hemolysis in non‐infected erythrocytes. In conclusion, P.falciparum activates endogenous erythrocyte channels by applying oxidative stress to the host cell membrane.